In Hebrew it is called a Christian shrine Yardeni. It is located in northern Israel, just a short drive from the city of Tiberias. Here, according to Biblical tradition, Jesus Christ for the first time - after the crucifixion and resurrection - was the people and was baptized. Today, thousands of believers come to this reserved area to perform the rite of baptism.
Describing the appearance of Christ to the people, the evangelist Luke gave an accurate historical context of events: the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, start service Pontius Pilate in the office of the procurator of Judea, the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.
"I - man of the world. But, even from my point of view, this is truly a paradise on the pilgrim has a magical, truly divine influence. It should put his hand into the cool waters of the Jordan - as the whole body spreads life-giving energy. You relax, forget about everyday problems and gridlock, you start to feel inspired and free as a bird ".
; Speaking of birds. Slide on the mirror surface of the water haughty swans, ducks swim by. The place is quiet, although such a pandemonium that apples fall nowhere: in any season, any weather faithful prayers, and devoutly secular (with ill-concealed envy) are watching the actions of those who believe ...
, Rodrigo, come down here, please! " - Delivers whisper tourist from Argentina.
A few minutes later start the rite of baptism. Black women, who arrived in Israel from the U.S., dressed in long white shirts. At the head of one of them - some sort of swim caps. Progress stepped forward, and with it have evolved and rituals that originated in antiquity.
"Peter, look: these ladies came to Israel specifically in order to be baptized in the river Jordan! " - Unable to control emotions elderly tourist from the Czech Republic.
"I think a few boys from our group, too, dream of a dip in these holy water ..." - Peter responds.
The atmosphere here is marvelous. Everywhere - in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Czech, Russian language - the sound of passionate prayer. Guides quoting the Bible, referring not only to the mind of visitors as to their feelings, to the genetic memory of Christian believers.
However, Yardenit - a favorite vacation spot Israelis. Daily sightseeing buses deliver comfortable here, thousands of people from different parts of the country. By nature the Israelis - people open and very friendly. Hence - the inexhaustible interest in the Christian shrines, including the Jordan River.
Secular audience, however, busy with her business. Tourists spend hours wandering around the spacious hall of the modern shopping mall, looking for extravagant gifts for Birthdays, anniversaries and just loves. Range tends to infinity. Here and in rare, custom-made (handmade!) Women's jewelry from precious metals, and scented candles, and sanctified in the waters of the Jordan crosses, and six-pointed "magendavidy" fashion which has returned to Israel early in the third tysyacheletiya.Esli you're hungry, you can Order the freshest chop in the newly opened restaurant. The interior is so bright and at the same time intimate that makes to think not only about how quickly to "stay one's stomach, but also about the eternal. The chef is known throughout the country, his talent in Tel Aviv was open and thriving, several fine restaurants.
Delicate tasting succulent steaks and enjoy the fresh vegetable salad, order a cup of fragrant espresso.
leave from the divine inn - and we cover a strange feeling. It seems as if the time machine has transferred us two millennia ago. In the waters of the Jordan is the rite of baptism, this time - visitors from Russia.
Fluttering in the wind, white shirt, the words of prayer. Only now you know: to come to Israel and visit Yardenit - it's like that to go to Moscow and not seeing St. Basil's Cathedral.